Article forming machine



Aug. 9, 1966 H. 0. PRUTTON 3,264,664

ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE Original Filed Oct. 4, 1961 13 Sheets-Sheet 1 Ema INVENTOR. Hownzo D. PEUTTON ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 9, 1966 H. D. PRUTTON 3,264,664

ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE Original Filed Oct. 4, 1961 13 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. How 20 D. Deuwow ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 9, 1966 6 3,264,664

ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE Wuze FEED ALL FIN6EE5 Move.

itzva QATONARY FINGERS 'o eu VARIABLE WORK TDC. \80 BDC.

Moves cu'r PIECE & Flueez CLOSE VARIABLE S U H W IgVgVTOR.

o 420 BUTTON fl ATTORNEYS.

9, 1966 H. D. PRUTTON 3,264,664

ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE Driginal Filed 001;. 4, 1961 13 Sheets-Sheet 4 E2 IL.

mmvrox. How: 20 D. PEurToN ATTORNEYS.

1966 H. D. PRUTTON ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE 13 Sheets-Sheet 5 R 0 m m N I Hon/420 D Peurrou Original Filed Oct. 4, 1961 ATTOQNEYS 1966 H. D. PRUTTON ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE l3 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed Oct. 4, 1961 INVENTOR. HOWA :20 D. DEUTTON ATTOENEYS.

9, 1966 H. D. PRUTTON ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE 13 Sheets-Sheet '7 Original Filed Oct. 4, 1961 INVENTOR. Howmzo D. PEUTTON 5M W ATTOQNEYS 1966 H. D. PRUTTON ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE Original Filed 001;. 4, 1961 13 Sheets-Sheet a ll llll A r mul INVENT Howmzo U. Peur ATTOENEY5.

9, 966 H. D. PRUTTON 3,264,664

ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE Original Filed 001;. 4, 1961 13 Sheets-Sheet 9 WIIHMII INVENTOR. Ho WA 120 D. PL/TTON ATTO/ENEYE.

Aug. 9, 1966 H. D. PRUTTON 3,264,664

ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE Original Filed Oct. 4, 1961 13 Sheets-Sheet 10 15 EU 1M6 F /V My WA I I37\ INVENTOR.

Howneo D PEUTTON ATTOQNEYS.

Aug. 9, 1966 H. D. PRUTTON 3,264,664

ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE Original Filed Oct. 4, 1961 13 Sheets-Sheet 11 mm W' -4.121221%:

INVENTOR. Howneo D. Peurmv zfww ATTORNEYS.

9, 1966 H. D. PRUTTON ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE 13 Sheets-Sheet 12 Original Filed Oct. 4, 1961 FEEJE INVENTOR. HOWARD [7. Deana/v BY $0 W ATTOEMEY5,

Aug. 9, 1966 Original Filed Oct. 4, 1961 H. D. PRUTTON ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE 13 Sheets-Sheet 13 INVENTOR. Ho M20 D. Deumw [mm k ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent 3,264,664 ARTICLE FORMING MACHINE Howard D. Prutton, Cleveland, Ohio, assignor to Prutton Corporation, a corporation of Ghio Original application Oct. 4, 1961, Ser. No. 142,967, new

Patent No. 3,189,191, dated June 15, 1965. Divided and this application Mar. 19, 1965, Ser. No. 441,126 29 Claims. (Cl. -12) and apparatus for working metal and other materials capable of being formed in dies and by punching or pressing.

An object of the invention is to increase production rates in article forming and to increase the speed with which slugs or blanks may be positioned for forming strokes in the case of relatively long pieces as well as unusually short ones.

A further object of the invention is to simplify the handling and movement of the blanks being worked upon and to enable simplified transfer mechanism to be employed.

Still another object of the invention is to enable the blank to be held relatively stationary While it is being engaged with the die, during the time it is gripped by the transfer mechanism and when it is being released.

Still another object of the invention is to retract the die from a relatively stationary work piece.

A further object is to form both sides or ends of a slug without the necessity for turning it over.

Still another object of the invention is to eject a work piece immediately after it has been formed.

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

In carrying out the invention in accordance with a preferred form thereof, a blank or piece to be worked upon is positioned and thereafter enveloped in a die while the piece remains substantially fixed in position. Simultaneously therewith the die and a punch or forming head are moved against the .piece with sufiicient pressure to form the piece. Then the die and punch are retracted while the piece is ejected from the die to maintain the piece substantially fixed in position.

Thereafter, if more than one stroke is required for forming the piece it is transferred to a second working position by moving it along a substantially straight line transverse to the direction of movement of the die and punch to successive wor-king positions bringing it intermittently to rest relative to any lateral movement of the die. Each time the piece is substantially stationary again, relative to lateral die movement, the piece is enveloped in a die and simultaneously therewith the die and a punch are moved longitudinally against the piece with sufficient pressure forfurther forming the piece. Thereafter each time the die and punch are retracted the piece is ejected from the die to maintain the piece substantially fixed in position until it is fully ejected and ready to 'be transferred to a further working position.

A better understanding of he invention will be afforded by the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is an end elevation of an embodiment of apparatus which may be employed in carrying out the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing successive pcttions of the rams, transfer fingers and Work pieces in a cycle of operation, the different positions being represented in sub-FIGS. 3a to 3 inclusive;

FIG. 4 is a circular sequence diagram illustrating the operations performed in relation to angular ram positions;

FIG. 5 is a view of a section of the apparatus of. FIG. 1 represented as cut by a horizontal plane passing through the center lines of the drive shaft and the ram reciprocating shafts;

FIG. 6 is an elevation of the wire blank feed roll assembly;

FIG. 7 is a view of a section of the feed roll assembly represented as cut by a vertical plane 7-7 indicated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view of a section of the feed roll assembly represented as cut by a broken plane 8-8 indicated in FIG. 6;

'FIG. 9 is an elevation of a disengageable clutch assembly for engaging and disengaging the feed of the feed roll assembly;

FIG. 10 is an elevation of the blank cut-off assembly partially in section represented as cut by a vertical plane 10-10 indicated in FIG. 11;

FIG. 11 is an end elevation of the cutoff assembly;

FIG. 12 is a view of a section of the cut-off assembly represented as cut by a horizontal plane 12-12 indicated in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary view of a section of the cutoff mechanism represented as cut by a horizontal plane 13-13 indicated in FIG. 10 and showing the ways for adjustment of the cut-off point;

FIG. 14 is a view of a section of the die ram represented as cut by a vertical plane 14-14 indicated in FIG. 21;

FIG. 15 is a view of a section of the ejector mechanism of FIGS. 5 and 21 represented as cut by a vertical plane 15-15 indicated in FIG. 21;

FIG. 16 is an end elevation of the punch ram or forming ram as seen from the end carrying the forming tools;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation of the punch ram or forming ram;

FIG. 18 is a view of a section of the transfer mechanism of the apparatus of FIG. 1 represented as cut by a vertical plane 18-18 indicated in FIG. 19;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation, represented as seen from the front of the apparatus of FIG. 1, of the transfer mechanism;

FIG. 20 is a top view of the transfer mechanism of FIGS. 18 and 19; and

FIG. 21 is a view of a horizontal section through the die ram and blank ejector mechanism represented as cut by a horizontal plane through the shaft axes indicated by the plane '5-5 in FIG. 1, constituting an enlargement of a portion of the sectional view of FIG. 5.

Like reference characters are utilized throughout the drawing to designate like parts.

An example of suitable apparatus that may be employed in carrying out the article forming methods of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 to 21 of the drawings, but it will be understood that the article forming invention is not limited to the use of the specific apparatus illustrated in these figures of the drawing.

In carrying out the steps of the process for forming a headed member such as a bolt from wire stock, a length of wire is drawn out from a magazine parallel to the axis of the machine and cut-off to form a blank 11 indicated in FIG. 3d. Before the blank 11 is severed from the stock 12, it is grasped between a first set of fingers 13, 14 and 15 which may constitute the fingers of a trans-fer mechanism or the jaws of a manually held pair of pliers or the like and is retained substantially unchanged in Patented August 9, 1966.

location with respect to axial motion during the forming operation, but moved transversely in a substantially straight line to successively different stationary positions for carrying out the forming operations.

It is-first brought to a stationary position indicated by dotted lines at 11 in FIG. 3d and simultaneously a die 16 and a punch or article forming tool 17 are moved,

cating movement as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. In this case, the piece. 11 is carried downward as the die 16 and tool 17 approach each other in accordance with the simultaneous downward translation of the members 16 and 17.

When the piece 11 has aboutreached the position shown in FIG. 3 the fingers 13, 14 and 15 are caused to start separating or opening while the forming members 16 "and 17 are moved further toward each other to the position of FIG. 3a to carry out the first step in the forming process of the blank 11, which in the example illustrated constitutes forming a knob 18 thereon which occurs when the forming members 16 and17'have.

reached the position shown in FIG. 3a.

The forming members 16 and 17 are then retracted in opposite directions and before the piece 11 has left the die 16 01" while the piece 11 is still in the die 16 when the forming members 16 and 17 have separated suflFiciently to permit regrasping the piece 11 it is again grasped. This may be done in the same manner as before if desired by the closing of grasping elements or fingers 21, 22 and 23.

of the same type as the fingers 13, 14 and 15.

The piece 11 is then ejected from the die 16 at the same .rate as the die 16 is retracted to the left so that the piece.

11 does not move axially, although in the case of forming members 16 and 17 having the revolving motion previously alluded to, it is moved slightly transversely in accordance with the movement of the forming members 16 and17. As the forming members 16 and 17 separate further, the piece 11 which is now carrying the knob 18 is moved onward transversely towards the next forming location represented at 19 in FIG. 32. 7

If a transfer mechanism is employed, it will not be the fingers 13, 14 and 15 which grasp the piece 11 after the knob 18 has been formed thereon, but the second set of fingers 21, 22 and 23 in order'to leave the fingers 13, 14 and 15 free for grasping and transferring a second blank from the cut-off position to the station of forming members 16 and 17, the fingers 21, 22 and 23 serving to transfer the blank 11 from the station of forming members 16 i and 17 to the station of a second set of forming members including, for example, a die 24 and a punch or forming tool 25.

It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to placing the die on one side and the punch or forming tool on the other side in successive stations as the positions may be alternated if desired according to the operations to be performed on the blank :which is to be formed, thus avoiding the necessity for turning over-the piece or the blank in moving to successive stations when By way of example.

4 forming tool 25 which are designed for flattening the knob 18. to form a bolt :head 26 on the;piece 11.

The cycle of operations for a single revolution of the. rams carrying the forming members is the same as before..

In the next cycle of operations an additional blank is cutoff and carried through the movements described for the.

blank 11.. .The blank 11, however, now referred to as the blank in position 19 is5enveloped in the die 24 as theformingmembers' approach each other from theposition shown the way to permit the forming members to approach each other to reach their final positionshown in FIG$3a at which the head 26 is completely formed,

- in FIG. 3d to that shown in FIG. 3 f whereupon the. fingers 13,-14 and 15 and 21,122. and.23 open and move out of As soon as the forming members'have retractedthedistance represented by FIG. 3b the pieces are again grasped.

If a transfer mechanism is employed the fingers 13, ;14 v and 15 will have closed! at about. the position shown in FIG. 3b for grasping a third blank,the.fingers21,'22 and 23: will have reached the position shown in FIG-3b. for grasping the second-blank and a third set of fingers 27,128.

and 29 "are grasping the blank 11' in order to holdit in a fixed. positionwith respect, to longitudinalmovement asit is simultaneously ejected from;the die 24 :as the die 24 recedes therefrom to enable the .blank to be carried laterally as indicated in FIG. 3d.toj thestation 30 of ;forming members 31 and 32 which may be a die 31 and a trim.- ming tool 32 .which completes the formation of=the .head

26: fora purpose,.-for example, of: cutting off the; corners toform a hexagonal head 33 as the members 31 and 32 travel successively throughthe positions represented by FIG. 3d, 3e',-3f and back tov the position ofv FIG. 3a.

The form-ofapparatus .shownaby way of example, in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a base 34"carrying a motor 35 i and supporting a framework 36 forvmounting the bear-.

ings for a main shaft 37, a die ram shaft.38 and a punch ram'shaft 39 (shown in FIG. 5).

The main shaft 37 is connected to the motor 35 in asuitable manner as by means'of V belts' 41 connecting a motor pulley 42 and a fly wheel pulley 43 .on the shaft 37. Preferably for protecting the machine, a fawick clutch-brake.

combination represented generally by the reference nu-.

meral 44 is interposed betweenthe =fly wheel 43 .and the shaft'37. The clutch-brake combination, however, not

being a part ofthe present invention, but being conventional in formis not described herein.- Suitable gearing,

including gears'45', 46, -47- and48, is provided forconnecting the main shaft.37to the ram drive shafts 38 and 39'.

As indicated generally in FIGS.-1 and 2,. various. auxiliary mechanism is also mounted: upon the base -34 or the framework 36 including a wire stock feed roll assembly 49 a connecting; rod 52 i.

As shown more clearly in FIG.' 5,-there -is a die ram 53 supported at bothfends by eccentrics and a punch 1 ram=54 likewise supported at both ends by eccentrics so that bothrams remain horizontal at all times but execute rotary motionior such a .motion that each'part thereon revolves about some horizontal axis with thetwo ramsrevolving inaopposite directions sothat they simultane-.

ously execute reciprocatory motion toward or away from 1 each other and :likewise up and down motion in unison. The die ram 53 issupported at one end by aneccentric 55 'on.the crank shaft 38 :and at. the. opposite end it is:

'guidedby an eccentric 56' carried by a shaft 57 which in turn carries the. gear .46 ;-meshing gwiththe drive gear 47 of the mainishaft 37. Idler gears, not shown, are pro-,

vided between gears and 46,| and between gears 47 and 48, to obtain revolving. movement ofthe rams 53 and 54 I with both rams remaining horizontal. The punch ram 54 is in like manner supported at the outer end by an eccentric 58 on the crank shaft 39. At the inner end the ram 54 is guided by an eccentric 59 on the main drive shaft 37.

The die ram 53 also carries an ejector mechanism including ejector push rods 61, 62 and 63 (FIG. 14). The ram 53 has a die face 64. The punch ram 54 carries suitable clamping mechanism 65 for mounting the forming tools, punches or the like 17, 25 and 32, which are shown in flat-faced form for simplicity in FIGS. 2 and 5. For actuating the ejector mechanism including the ejector push rods 61, 62 and 63, a cam 67 is mounted on the die ram crank shaft 38.

In order that the alignment of the rams 53 and 54 may be adjusted and possible wear on the parts may be compensated so that the rams 53 and 54 will always remain horizontal, roller bearings 68 and 69 may be mounted on the rams 53 and 54, respectively, for receiving the eccentric journals 56 and 59, respectively, and provided with adjustable mounting blocks 71 and 72 fastened to rams 53 and 54, respectively, as shown in FIG. 5.

As shownin FIGS. 6 and 7, the feed roll assembly 49 comprises a pair of feed rolls 73 and 74 with grooves 75 in their peripheries for gripping wire stock 12 from a magazine (not shown) and feeding the wire stock 12 to a cut-off mechanism 77 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 11).

There is a drive for the feed rolls 73 and 74 comprising a ratchet crank 78 connected by a shank 79 of connecting rod 52 to the die ram driving crank shaft 38 adjustably by means of a T-slot 81 and bolt 82 engaging a shouldered nut 83 in the T-slot 81. The bolt 82 and nut 83 are so arranged that when the nut 82 is tightened it clamps the nut 83 in a predetermined position in the slot 81 and also secures a post 84 upon which the rod 52 is pivoted. A spring connection 85 may be included in the connecting rod 52 if desired.

The crank 78 is connected to the shaft 86 of the feed roll 74 by means of a one-way or back stopping clutch 87. The arrangement is such that the crank 78 engages the shaft 86 when the connecting rod 52 is drawn to the right but releases when the rod 52 is pushed to the left. The invention is not limited to the use of any particular ratchet mechanism or one-way clutch and the details of the one-way clutch 87 need therefore neither be illustrated or described. Satisfactory results have been obtained, however, by the employment of a one-way Marquette type clutch described in the 1959 printed catalogue of Curtiss- Wright Corporation, Marquette Division, Cleveland, Ohio, entitled, Curtiss-Wright Clutches.

The feed roll 73 is mounted upon a shaft 88 connected to the shaft 86 by means of gears 89 and 90. Preferably a back stopping clutch 92 is mounted on the shaft 88 and secured to the feed roll assembly housing 93 for preventing backward rotation of the shaft 88 on the idle stroke of the crank 78. The back stopping clutch 92 may be a marquette clutch of the same type as the clutch 87. A toggle clamp 94 is provided for releasably clamping the feed roll 73 against the feed roll 74 upon the wire 76.

The clutch 87 is provided with an ear (not visible in FIG. 7) for engaging a pawl 91, on a member 95. A clutch control lever 96 is provided for retracting the pawl 91 on the member 95 beyond the normal stroke of the ear on the clutch 87 to permit the machine to function and the feed rolls to operate. The arrangement is such, however, that when the lever 96 is released to take the position represented by the dotted lines 96', the pawl 91 engages the ear on the clutch 87 for applying enough pressure to the clutch 87 through a spring 97 to prevent the clutch 87 from operating. In this manner, the feed of the feed rolls can be engaged and disengaged. The force of the spring 97 is greater than the force required to retain the ear on the clutch 87 and therefore through the use of the spring 97 the clutch 87 can be disengagd in the back position of the stroke no matter what the adjustment is in the T-slot 81.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13, the cut-off mechanism 77 comprises a tube 101 through which the feed rolls 73 and 74 are adapted to push the wire stock 12, a screw 102 aligning the end of the tube 101, a cut-off quill 103 having a hardened bushing 104 therein, a feed stop 105 and a cut-off knife 106. The quill units 103 and 104 are mounted in an adjustable frame 107 and are adjustable in a line parallel to the axis or pressure application line of the machine. The feed stop 105 is adjustably mounted upon the frame 107 by means of a slotted base bracket 108 and machine screws 109. -In this manner, the cut-off piece 11 can be approximately cent-ralized with the transfer mechanism so that the transfer fingers 13, 14 and 15 can grasp the blank 11 in the center.

A rotary cam mechanism is provided for actuating the cutter knife 106. This comprises an arm 111 rotatable about a post 112, a cam surface 113 on the side of the arm 111 toward the end thereof and a mating cam surface 114 on the end or back edge of the knife 106. A thrust bearing 115 is preferably provided to take up the lateral thrust of the cam surfaces 113 and 114. The screw 102 serves for adjusting the clearance between the cut-off quill 103, 104 and the cut-off knife 106. The pivot post 112 upon which the arm 111 oscillates is put in such a position that the screw 116 and the head on the post 112 can be preloaded to handle the forces required to cut-off the wire 12.

The cut-off knife 106 is provided with a hub-portion 117 pivoted by a screw 118 and a flanged journal 119.

A limit stop for the knife 106 is provided comprising a 1 surface 121 co-operating with an adjustable screw 122. A spring (not shown) is preferably provided for holding the knife 106 down against the cam surface 114 and the limit stop screw 122.

The operation of the cut-off 77 is such that the center line of the wire 12 is approximately of an inch below the center line of the transfer fingers 13, 14 and 15 and when the part is cut it is pushed up into the transfer fingers which are then adapted to transfer it into the machine.

For oscillating the cut-off arm 111, a slotted block 123 is provided which is secured to the die ram 53 by machine screws 124, which causes the block 123 to rotate with the die ram. The arm 111 is provided with blocks 125 adapted to slide in slots 126 formed in a channel shaped portion 127 of the member 123. Thus, the blocks 125 reciprocate as the die ram 53 revolves to communicate vertical oscillatory motion to the cut-off arm 111.

Longitudinal adjustment of the frame 107 of the cut-off assembly 77 upon the upright portion 128 of the machine framework 36 is provided by means of bolts 129 cooperating with horizontally elongated slots 131 in the upright 128. Preferably the frame 107 is notched at 132 to fit over ways 133 with end abutments 134 serving as limit stops for the adjustment of the frame 107.

FIGS. 14, 15 and 21 illustrate a sub-assembly of the die ram and ejector mechanism. The tools 16, 24 and 31 are shown as cylindrical pieces of steel with holes therein to conform to the work. The tools are shown as cylindrical for the sake of simplicity and may represent, for example, the tools for the forming of a common fastener. As already explained, the cut piece of wire which is to be formed is held in front of the die 16. Because of a rotary motion of the die ram 53 the die 16 envelope the cut piece 11 until the punch 17 begins to push it and then the fingers on the transfer mechanism open.

The ejector mechanism comprises a sliding member 135 carrying a cam follower 136 co-operating with the cam 67 on the die ram drive shaft 38 and a plurality of levers 137, 138 and 139, which co-operate with ejector rods 61, 62 and 63, respectively. Co-operating with the ejector rods 61, 62 and 63 are ejector pins 141, 142 and 143 which, in turn, co-operate with ejectors 144, 145 and 146, respectively.

For making minor adjustments in length of the work'- ing area of the dies 16, 24 and 31, wedges 147; 148;and 149 are provided which co-operate with bevel ended heads 151, 152-and 153 of the ejector pins 141, 142 and 143, respectively. Springs 154 are provided for keeping the ejector slide 135 against the cam 67.' A bump 155 I'is formed on the cam 67 and the ejector pin 143 is made slightly longer, for example, inch longer than the ejector pins 141 and 142 such that. only the ejectorpin 1431s actuated by the bump 155 on the cam 67. This is done for the purpose of giving a slight push in the final station to finish the shearing operation of thetrim as close to bottom dead center as possible. Springs 156- surround the ejector pins 141, 142 and 143 to urge the heads 151,152 and 153 into engagement with the Wedges 147,148 and 149.

For adjusting the wedges 148, locking screws 157 may be provided having locking members 158 secured tby lock screws 159. A pivot rod 161 is provided for the levers 137, 138 and 139. Shear pins 162. are provided so that if an exceptionally heavy load is required to eject the work piecethe shear pin 162 breaks and no damage is caused to the machine.

As shown in FIGS. 16 andl7, the punch ram 54 carries tools 17,25 and 32Lwhich are shown with flat facesyfor: convenience, although these may take the form of dies. or punches as desired. tools 17, or 32 is in the form of a die for enveloping the work an ejector slide mechanism similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 21 will be provided. For example, in-a nut former, in order to avoid reversing the part alternately to apply the work force to opposite sides-or alternate sides, the tools will alternately be punches and dies. An ejector in the punch ram 54 then also serves the purpose of ejecting pieces from the punch to insure that they remain in the die ram for the timed ejection into the transfer fingers.

In the embodiment illustrated, the punches 17, 25. and Y 32 are held in punch blocks 163 and held in placeby wedging clamping bolts 164, wedging sleeves 165 and nuts 166. For longitudinal adjustment suitable wedges are provided actuated by adjusting screws 167.; For vertical positioning there are wedges 168, screws 169 and T-nuts 170. Horizontal alignment is provided .by studs 171 and nuts 172; Locking plates 173 with fastening screws 174 serve for holding in place the screws 167 The throw of the pin 178 is the same as that of. the. eccentrics and 56 so that the motion of revolution of the die ram 53 is communicated .to the transfer mechanism shaft 176. There is a cam shaft 181 i connected to the drive shaft 176 by a pair of bevel gears 182 and 183.

The cam shaft 181 and associated parts driven thereby are carried in a framework 184 pivotally. securedtothe machine framework 36 by means of a vertical pintle 185 carried in brackets 186.

The cam shaft 181 carries three cams 187, 188 and 189. Co-operating with the cam 187 is a cam follower 191 on an arm 192 having a slot 193 at the end co-operating with a pin194 carried by an upper. slide 195. Theyslide 195 carries the first set of transfer fingers 13, 14 and,.il5

for carrying the blank 11. down to the first die 16.- The fingers 13, 14 and 15 are mounted on the slide 195'separate from the other transfer fingers because of the longer distance of travel for this set of fingers to carry the piece 11 from the cut-off mechanism 77 to the first die 16."

Co-operating with the cam 188 is a cam follower .196 1 mounted on a bent arm .197 pivoted at one end receiving a pivot pin 198 and having a slot 199 at the opposite end co-operating with a pin 201 fixed in a lower slide 202..

If one or more of the forming The lowerslidei 202carries the remaining SetSzOf transfer fingers, namely, the second set 21; 22 and 23 andthe third I set 27, 28 and 29; Theperipheral shape'of the cams187 and 188/is such. that the .blank .11. is carried from the.-. cut-off-station ,77 to the; position of the'first die 16 taking. into consideration the circular motion: of the die and punch rams, and that the blank ejected from the die 16' isicarried from thestation of the vdie- 16 to" the die? 24..also taking-' 7 into consideration the circular motion of therams. Since; the: distance between the dies 24 and 31 is the same as I that between the dies 16 and 24, the sets. of fingers for accomplishing the transfer from :one. die to the next may be carried upon the same slide 202.

The thirdcam 189 is provided for opening and closing the fingers 13,114,215, 21; 22,123, 27, 28.'and:29, To this end a cam follower :203 isjprovide'd which co-operates with the cam 1891 and is carried at.the elbow ofan elbow lever 204 pivoted at. one .end upona pivot pin 205. Pivotally secured to the opposite end of the lever 204 is an'adjustable link 20.6havingpivot pins 207 and208 :at

opposite ends thereof. Preferably a biasing; spring 209' is connected to the end ofthe lever 204 carrying the pivot pin 207 for .holding the cam follower 203 fagainst the.

periphery of the cam 189.

The pivot pin 208 in'the link 20,6tis mounted in a swinging plate or .bellgcrank bloick211 pivotally secured to a stationary pivot pin 5212.? There is a corresponding bell crank 21'3 ipivotally secured to a stationary pivot pin 214. i Interconnecting the .bell cranks 211 and :213 is an adjustable link for rod 215 havingpivot pins 216 and 2171f at the ends in the bell cranks211 and 21.3,Irespectively.

Mounted. in thebellcranks 211 and 213 are, also pivot pins 218 and 21.9 secured in ears 221 of a plate 222 having L a'verticalgroove 223 therein; The arrangement is such.

that as the cam 189 rotates causing the cam follower. 203 to rise and fall the vertically grooved plate 222 movesto and fro primarily with a horizontal component of motion,

movingto the left and .to the" right as seen in FIG. 19

To co-operate with the vertical groove 223 in the hori-.

zontally. moving plate :222 are cam followers 224, 225, 226,227,228 and. 229, horizontal movement of which;

action of the fingers.

The transfer fingers are in the form of bell icranks. The pair of fingers 13 and 15 have .a pivot 231 on the sliding plate .195 with a bell crank.arm;232 carrying the cam ing and closing of the transfer fingers is effected in timed relation to the circular: motion'of the .rams 53 and 54.

The mounting of. the entire transfer mechanism 51 upon the pintle permits the transfer mechanism 51 to be swung out of the way when the tools 16,?24 and. 31 and 17,

25' and 32 are to be worked upon or changed. When the transfer mechanism 51- is swung out, the bevel gears 182 and 183 separate to disengage the power from the transfer mechanism. The gears 182 andt183i are marked; so that when the transfer mechanism 51. is re-engaged thev sequence of operation is in theproper timing. Wing'nuts 23'5w'co-operatingxwith swinging bolts 236 pivoted to the frame at the innerend are provided for securingthe transfer mechanism 51 in operative position. In:order to realign the transfer mechanism in relation to the ma-- chine, very accurately tapered plugs: 237 "are secured to the swinging framework 238 of the transfer mechanism 51 adapted to matewith tapered seats. 239.

The. sequence of operation is indicated in-the diagrams of FIG. .3 andin FIG.,4. In' FIG. 4the clockwise movc-. ment of the die ram drive shaft;or cam shaft 38 is repre-. sented, with zero degrees representing bottom dead center 9 with rams 53 and 54 closed and 180 degrees representing top dead center with the rams opened. FIG. 3a represents the Zero degree position, FIG. 3b the 45 degree position, FIG. 30 the 90-degree position, FIG. 3d the 180- degree position, FIG. 3c the 270-degree position and FIG. 3f the 315-degree position. During the first 45 degrees of rotation of the die ram cam shaft 38 and likewise of the driving pin 178 and the drive shaft 181 of the transfer mechanism 51, the transfer fingers are open. The opening action has begun at the 315 degree position of the previous stroke so that the transfer fingers are open and out of the way while the forming tools are close to each other.

The transfer fingers are caused to close at some point during the first 90 degrees, for example, at the 45 degree position so that the blank will be held by the transfer fingers when it has been cut-off and in like manner the blanks which have previously been worked upon will be held preparatory to transfer to the next station. At the 90-degree position cut-off of the stock 12 takes place to form the blank 11. From the 90-degree to the 270- degree point the fingers 13, 14 and 15 are moved from the cut-off mechanism 7'7 to alignment with the die 16 but the transfer fingers 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 and 29 remain stationary. From the 270-degree to the 315-degree position all the transfer fingers move and all open at about the 3l5-degree position. From the 3l5-degree to the 45-degree point all the transfer fingers again are open and work is done on the blanks between the 315-degree position and the bottom dead center or zero degree position.

The wire feed takes place during the 180 degrees of motion from top dead center to bottom dead center, that is, from 180 degrees position to zero. or 360 degrees position. Cut-off of a new blank again takes place at the 90-degree position so that the operation is repeated, each blank being advanced one position for each rotation of the die ram drive shaft 38. The bump 55 on the ejector cam shaft 67 gives an extra push to the ejector pin 143 when the bump strikes the cam follower 136 at the 90 degree position so that the trim of the head 26 is completed and the finished piece may be discharged when the fingers again open.

While the invention has been described as embodied in concrete form and as operating in a specific manner in accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, since various modifications will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A metal working machine comprising in combination a pair of rams, each adapted to carry first and second cooperating metal working tool means, means for moving the rams oppositely in circular paths, whereby the rams alternatively approach each other and recede from each other for working upon a piece by said first tool means during the approach stroke of the rams, and transfer means to transfer a piece laterally from said first to said second tool means during the period of separation of said rams for subsequentworking on the piece by said second tool means.

2. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said transfer means are provided for positioning a work piece between the rams substantially fixed in position with respect to motion parallel to the line joining the centers of rotation of the rams.

3. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein each ram is provided with a tool face having successive stations and said transfer means are provided for carrying a piece to be worked upon substantially in a line transverse to the line joining the centers of rotation of the rams for performing successive forming operations upon the work piece at a high rate of speed by utilizing a minimum of time in the transfer of the piece from one work station to another.

4. A metal working machine comprising a pair of longitudinally extending rams extending substantially in alignment, a tool face on each ram, means on one of said ram tool faces to engage and partially envelop a workpiece, and each ram having a pair of eccentrics for supporting it with the eccentrics so arranged for maintaining the rams substantially in alignment as each of the tool faces on the rams executes circular motion to relatively move the two tool faces longitudinally toward each other along a pressure application line and to simultaneously move a workpiece transversely of the pressure application line.

5. Apparatus as in claim 4, wherein a stock feed is provided beside one of the rams with means driven in accordance with a ram for cutting'off successive pieces of stock, and means feeding said pieces laterally to the lines of motion of the rams to successive positions be tween the rams for performing successive forming operations thereon.

6. In a metal working machine for applying forming pressure substantially in the direction of a predetermined line referred to as the line of pressure application, a ram having a longitudinal axis parallel to said pressure application line, a working face on said ram, means on said working face to partially envelop and support a workpiece, and means for revolving the ram about an axis of revolution transverse to the longitudinal axis and reciprocating the ram with its longitudinal axis remaining parallel to the line of pressure application to move said working face and a workpiece therein with a component parallel to said line of pressure application and also with a component perpendicular to said line of pressure application.

7. In a metal working machine for applying forming pressure in opposite directions substantially parallel to a predetermined line referred to as a line of pressure application, a pair of rams, each having a longitudinal axis parallel to said pressure application line, said rams being in alignment with each other, means on one of said rams to support a workpiece, and means for revolving the rams in opposite directions about axes of revolution transverse to the longitudinal axes and reciprocating the rams oppositely with longitudinal axes remaining parallel to the line of pressure application and in alignment with each other to relatively move the two rams toward each other along said line of pressure application and to simultaneously move a work-piece supported on said one of said rams transversely of said line of pressure application.

8. Apparatus as in claim 7, including means for transferring a workpiece from a position beside the rams along a line transverse to the line of pressure application and between the rams while the rams are spaced apart and holding the work piece at rest between the rams relative thereto while the rarns are executing the portions of their strokes in which the rams are spaced most closely together.

9. Apparatus as in claim 8, wherein each ram is provided with a tool face having a plurality of stations, the stations of one ram tool face corresponding to those of the other and the work piece transfer means is provided with means for holding the work piece at rest relative to the rams at each station in succession while the rams are in the proximity portions of their strokes and transferring the work piece to successive stations while the rams are in the spaced apart portions of their strokes.

10. In a metal working machine having a ram with a longitudinal axis and means for revolving the ram about an axis of revolution transverse to the longitudinal axis and reciprocating the ram with its longitudinal axis remaining parallel to itself in successive positions, a stock cut-off mechanism comprising a cut-off actuator secured to the ram and having a slot therein extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ram, a cutter arm having a fixed pivot axis at one end and a follower at the opposite end engaging said slot, whereby the cutter arm is oscillated around said pivot axis by the revolution of said ram, and a cutter knife actuated by oscillation of said,

cutter arm in a plane transverse to said longitudinal axis of said ram.

11. Apparatus as in claim 10, wherein the cutter arm carries a cam face at the pivoted end thereof and the;

mechanism, means for ejecting the cut-off stock into .the

transfer mechanism when the cutter knife is at the end of its cutting stroke and means for thereafter moving the transfer mechanism in a plane perpendicularto the lon-.

gitudinal axis of the ram.

14. In a metal working machine forapplying formingpressure substantially in the direction of a predetermined line referred to as the line of pressure application, having; a ram with a longitudinal axis parallel to said pressure application line and means for revolving the ram about an axis of revolution transverse to the longitudinal axis and reciprocating the ram with its longitudinal axisiremaining parallelto the line of pressure application, a

transfer mechanism having work gripping means and means for mounting the transfer mechanism moveably along a line transverse tothe pressure application line and transverse to the axis of revolution of the ram with the line of motion of the work gripping means being beyond the end of the ram, and cam means driven by the ram for reciprocating the transfer mechanism with'alternating periods of reciprocating motion and rest relative to said pressure application line during each revolution of the ram.

15. In a metal working machine for applying forming pressure substantially in the direction of a predetermined line referred to as the linev of pressure application, having a ram and means for reciprocating the ram parallel to the line of pressure application, a transfer mechanism having work gripping means and means for mounting the transfer mechanism moveably along a line transverse to the pressure application line with the line of motion of the work gripping means being beyond the end of the ram, and cam of the ram.

16. Apparatus as in claim 15, wherein the gripping means constitute pivoted fingers with operating levers ex tending transversely to the line of pressure application with track followers at the ends of the operating levers, a t

transversely moveable track for receiving the operating lever followers, means for maintaining the track parallel to the direction of motion of the transfer mechanismand transverse to the line of pressure application 7 whereby movement of the transfer mechanism along its line of motion has no effect on the work gripping fingers with respect '60 track laterally and in a direction transverse to said line of to opening or closing them, and means for-moving the pressure application while the transfer mechanism .is in its position of rest relative to said pressure application line for alternately releasing and regripping work pieces prior to and subsequent to forming strokes thereon 17. A transfer mechanism for a machine having drive means-reciprocating a ram for working upon blanks, said transfer mechanism comprising a shaft, c-rankmeans driven from said drive means to rotate said shaft in unison with the moving ram, a first cam on .said shaft, a cam follower and linkage actuated by said cam for moving a blank from a cut-off position to a first working station, a second cam on said shaft, a cam follower and linkage. actuated by said second cam for moving blanks successively from thefirst working station to successive workmeans for reciprocating the transfer mechanism with alternating periods of reciprocating motion and rest'relative to said pressure application line during each reciprocation 12 ing'stations, a third cam on said shaft, and. a cam fol-j lower-and linkage actuated by said third cam for grasp? ing work in transfer from one position to the. next and releasing it upon positioning the work.

18. Apparatus. as in claim 17, including a sliding plate actuated (by saidfirst cam follower-and linkage, the sliding plate being moveable between said cut-off and first work-. ing station positions.

19. Apparatus as.in:claim 18, incl u g asecond slid i ing plate moveable the. distance between working stations and actuated by the second-cam follower and link-age.

20. Apparatus as in claim 19,. including transfer fingers mounted upon the sliding plates and in which the linkage of the third cam follower is connected to the fingersfor opening and closing them.

21.? Apparatus as in' claim 20,1wherein the sliding plates are vertically moveable and the transfer; fingers have bell crank arms with said cam followers attheends thereof and the cam follower linkage of the third cam includes: a

plate having a vertically extending groove engaging the cam'followers of the transferfingers, the vertical-groove plate having a horizontal componentzof motion produced by the third camfollowerlinkage and the bell crank arms I of the transfer fingers extend normally at a small angle to-the vertical whereby the horizontal motion-of the .ve-r-r I tical-groove plate causes rotation and opening andclosing movement of the transfer. fingers.

22.. Apparatus as in claim14, including fa working a station on said .ram, and said cam means moves said transfer means to move a'work blank transversely of said pressure application line.during at 'least the initial en gagement of said work blank withsaid working station.- 23, Apparatus as'in claim 22,iincluding said cam means moving, said transfer means transversely of said pressure application line during at least the initial pickup of said work blank from said working station;

24. In a forging machine having apunch ram and die ram relatively counter-rotationally moveable toward and along said path, said transfer. means including. transfer fingers, cam andfollower means. acting on said transfer fingers to open and close same on any said workpiece, said camand follower means moving in said first direction and relatively slowly and grasping and holding said workpiece during movement of same .in said first direction and during release of the workpiece from saidfirst punch and die and moving said workpiece only in-said first direction a distance less than half said given distance to a position whereat said workpiece is held .in said second punch and die, and then releasing :said transfer fingers.

25. In a forging machine :having a punch'ram and die. ram relatively counter-rotationally moveable toward and away from each other. and simultaneously moveable in a first direction a given distance on a lateral path to work on a workpiece and move same: transversely on said path, K said rams having first and second punches and first and second dies spaced apart on said path approximately said. given distance, the improvement of transfer means moveable along saidpath, said transfer means-including transfer fingers,-oam and follower means acting on said transferfingers to open and close same on any said workpiece and to move said fingers only. along said path and less than half said given distance to transfer a workpiece from said first to said second punch anddie.

26'. In a forging machine having a punch ram-and die ram relatively counter-rotationally moveable-toward and away-from each other and simultaneously -moveable inv a first direction a given distance ona lateral path to work on a workpiece and move same transversely on said; path, said. rams having first and second punches and first and second dies spaced apart on said path approximately said given distance, the improvement of transfer means moveab-le along said path approximately only 30% of said given distance and including transfer fingers closeable on any said workpiece in said firstpunch and die at about a 45-degree position from the longitudinal axis of said punch and die ram, means to hold said transfer fingers closed for about another 270 degrees of rotation of said punch and die rams and to then open said transfer fingers at about the 315-degree position whereat said workpiece is enveloped in said second punch and die.

27. In a forging machine having a punch ram and die I ram relatively counter-rotationally moveable toward and away from each other simultaneously moveable in a first direction a given distance on a transverse path to work on a workpiece and move same on said path approximately 70% of said distance, said rams having first and second punches and first and second dies spaced apart on said path approximately said given distance, the improvement of transfer means moveable along said path approximately only 30% of said given distance and including trans-fer fingers closeab le on any said workpiece in said first punch and die at about a 45-degree position from the longitudinal axis of said punch and die ram, cam means to hold said transfer fingers closed and to move same transversely in said first direction approximately 15% of said given distance to about said 90 degree position and to maintain said fingers closed and stationary for about another 180 degrees to the 270-degree postion, and said cam means moving said transfer fingers transversely in said first direction approximately 15% of said given distance to about said 315-degree position whereat said workpiece is enveloped in said second punch and die and then opening said fingers.

28. A forging machine, comprising, in combination, a base, a punch ram and a die rant on said base, means to move each said punch ram and die ram in a counterrotational movement for relative longitudinal movement toward and away from each other for working on a workpiece and for simultaneously moving said rams laterally in a first direction a given distance on a path to move said workpiece transversely on said path approximately 70% of said distance, first and second punches on said punch ram and first and second dies on said die ram, said first and second punches and said first and second dies being spaced apart transversely on said path approximately said given distance, and transfer means moveable in said path approximately 30% of said given distance and including transfer fingers closea-ble on any said workpiece in said first punch and die at about a -degree position from the longitudinal axis of said punch and die ram, cam means to hold said transfer fingers closed and to move same transversely in said first direction approximately 15% of said given distance to about a -degree position and to maintain said fingers closed and stationary for about another degrees to the 270-degree position of said rams, and said cam means moving said transfer fingers transversely in said first direction approximately 15% of said given distance to about a 315- degree position of said rams whereat said workpiece is enveloped in said second punch and die and then opening said fingers.

29. A forging machine, comprising, in combination, a base, a punch ram and a die ram on said base, means to move each said punch ram and die ram in a counterrotational movement for relative longitudinal movement toward and away from each other for working on a workpiece and for simultaneously moving said rams laterally in a first direction a given distance on a path to move said workpiece transversely on said path approximately 70% of said distance, first and second punches on said punch ram and first and second dies on said die ram, said first and second punches and said first and second dies being spaced apart transversely on said path approximately said given distance, and transfer means moveab le in said path approximately 30% of said given distance and including transfer fingers closeab-le on any said workpiece in said first punch and die at about a 45-degree position from the longitudinal axis of said punch and die ram, and means to hold said transfer fingers closed for about another 270 degrees of rotation of said punch and die rams and to then open said transfer fingers at about the 315-degree position whet-eat said workpiece is enveloped in said second punch and die.

ANDREW R. JUHASZ, Primary Examiner. 

1. A METAL WORKING MACHINE COMPRISING IN COMBINATION A PAIR OF RAMS, EACH ADAPTED TO CARRY FIRST AND SECOND COOPERATING METAL WORKING TOOL MEANS, MEANS FOR MOVING THE RAMS OPPOSITELY IN CIRCULAR PATHS, WHEREBY THE RAMS ALTERNATELY APPROACH EACH OTHER AND RECEDE FROM EACH OTHER FOR WORKING UPON A PIECE BY SAID FIRST TOOL MEANS DURING THE APPROACH STROKE OF THE RAMS, AND TRANSFER MEANS TO TRANSFER A PIECE LATERALLY FROM SAID FIRST TO SAID SECOND TOOL MEANS DURING THE PERIOD OF SEPARATION OF SAID RAMS FOR SUBSEQUENT WORKING ON THE PIECE BY SAID SECOND TOOL MEANS. 